Galen Brewster Heath passed away peacefully at his residence in Spokane, WA on April 11, 2018. He was 95 beautiful years old. He was a much beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.
Galen was born October 18, 1922 in Lemmon, SD to his parents, Thomas and Mabel Heath. He was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Lemmon High School in 1940 where he had been an active member of the basketball team and participated in drama. He attended business college briefly but ended up enlisting in the Navy to serve his county in World War II aboard an aircraft carrier named the USS Belleau Wood. He also served in the Korean War. During his time in the service, he ranked his way up to Electrician’s Mate First Class. He was also in the Navy Choir
After being honorably discharged, Galen began his long career as a real estate appraiser. He married Jacqueline Heath on April 15th, 1961 and they settled in Idaho Falls, ID. They had their daughter, Jaye Lynn, on September 19th, 1965 and their son Jonathan, on November 9, 1967. Shortly after that, the family relocated to Spokane where Galen and Jackie purchased a home on the South Hill. Galen would spend the rest of his life settled in the city. He worked for Prudential until they asked him to relocate to Seattle but Galen desired to stay in Spokane to keep his home and to allow his children to stay close to their friends. It was at that point that Galen became and independent real estate appraiser working on appraisals for the Veteran’s Administration.
Galen simultaneously worked for many years as a school bus driver for Spokane School District 81. He enjoyed the kids and they enjoyed him, often telling them jokes or leading them in sing-alongs on the bus.
Galen was a longstanding member of Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church and a regular member of the choir for many years.
He is survived by his daughter, Jaye Lynn, of Spokane, Washington; his son Jonathan and daughter in law, Alma of Rancho Cucamonga, California and his two grandchildren, Savannah and Nicholas, also of Rancho Cucamonga, California. He is preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline, and all of his brothers and sisters.
A memorial service for Galen will take place on April 23, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church. The address is 4102 S. Crestline Street, Spokane, WA 99203. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of this kind, wonderful man, and his entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of Spokane.
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